I've been going through my 40 year collection and decided to sell some stuff off. I just came across a couple of interesting guns that I thought the single shot shooters would appreciate.

I discovered a Stevens Bisley Model 22lr drop block with a 27" or 28" 1/3rd octagon and 2/3rd round heavy barrel with a mint bore. The globe front sight is missing the post, the rear leaf sight looks to have been milled into the barrel, it's missing the front wood, the rear stock has an extensive metal repair to the wrist and the buttplate is original.

There are 2 sets of matching numbers, I don't know which is the serial number and which maybe a rack or military. There are proofmarks on the right top of the barrel and receiver, the number stamped on top of the heel and barrel is 58, there is 2744 hand stamped on the bottom of the receiver & barrel. The barrel has "ParkRifled" in a V shape on top and it has the Stevens 2 line address on top of the barrel.

The gun has a big frame and is a heavy beast. It has some spotty patina rust but it's typical for a gun this age and the bluing is original at about 85%.

If anyone has any info, I'd greatly appreciate the help and if you send a PM with your email or text, I can send pics.

PM sent. They are rare. I may be interested if you are selling. I already have one. Some sources think there were only a dozen or so made. I have serial #'s on about 6 as I recall. There was a lengthly tread here several years back if you can find it with the search function. Mine has a Parker Hale liner and replacement British sights. Mine shoots well but I can't imagine reling a Stevens barrel but the British had their own way of doing things. They apparently didn't like it much because few were apparently sold. Would be great if you could post pictures here. From what I have found the 58 should be the serial #. Hard to tell what the other #is.

I discovered what the other number by speaking to an expert in these British guns. Apparently when England banned private ownership of guns and the govt confiscated weapons upon the death of the owner, the various clubs would own the gun and rent them to their members.

It turns out the 2nd number is a hand stamped club inventory stock number.

When I worked in Australia new gun laws based on the British model came in, about 1997 I think it was . My firearms license was revoked had to re-apply. The license was issued to me not transferable to my wife or children. Had I passed the guns would have to go unless the family qualified, few widows were issued licenses. Large collection I knew of intended as retirement fund was sold. Owner in poor health afraid his widow would have to sell to the government at set prices . It's possible the local police could have issued a widow license granting time to dispose of privately. Up to the authorities .

New license was controlled by the local police they could refuse for any reason. Too many guns without a "legitimate" use generally ment a quantity restriction. Collectors had to demonstrate collector value or de-activate the gun. At the time I had two Silhouette bolt actions rim and center fire, new license was approved.

Smallbore prone rifle I was shooting belonged to the gun club. Local police said the club owned too many guns. They transfered the Anschutz 54 to me in order to reduce numbers. I had to have my license upgraded to 3 Rifles. Club sold half a dozen Martinis for export to further reduce.

There was no requirement to stamp with a club number very strict rules on storage and inventory private or club . Local police could enter my house at any time and inspect the guns and storage. Even inspect the size of bolts securing the required safe to the garage wall. No warrant no warning.

Vast numbers of Australian firearms were exported or destroyed, with government payment for set value.

If a club target rifle was exported from the UK club marked the story is plausible One of our UK members may want to let us know if a similar situation applies . I do know a dealer in Front Royal Virginia imported large numbers of British club and school target rifles. Friend of mine and I were allowed to open a fresh packing case full of rifles and associated parts. It could easily have included a parts Stevens club stamped.

BoatsIn1997 The Law in the UK changed banning Cartridge loaded pistols they were handed in to the Police and compensation being paid in the end. Nothing regarding the ownership or use of Long arms changed. I am aware many rifles particularly Martini Internationals went to the US various reasons behind them falling from use here they were in the end almost give away items. If clubs marked Rifles they owned it was purely for their own purposes not a requirment as the Serial no. identifies them for the Clubs Licence. So does not really answer the question I am afraid.

Cartridge revolvers in certain "obsolete calibers" as named by the Home office may still be owned with no licence and no ammunition. Some counties still issue licences for the ownership of non-obsolete caliber handguns.

Quite right, it is possible to collect only certain pistols made and that means [b][b]manufactured[/b] [/b] prior to 1919 without ammo but not all calibres. Others may be owned and shot but must be stored with the ammo at a few designated Ranges and can not be removed by you. There must be no competitive shooting either. Therefore Pistol shooting with Cartridge firearms in the UK has long finished. Unless of course you are a Criminal.TJ.